Photo By Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Charlotte Jei Balacano, military police, Provost...... read more read more
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CAMP BLAZ, GUAM – The Guam community coming aboard Navy or Marine Corps installations has likely noticed a change as they arrive at the security gate. For the first time, since the activation of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Marines are standing duty as gate sentries across the island, showcasing that the Camp Blaz Provost Marshal’s Office is increasing its manpower and capabilities in stride with the Corps’ build up on the island and alongside its Navy counterparts.
The PMO staff is focused on energizing the manpower force flow, procuring military police equipment, and developing policy and procedures to set the conditions to achieve an Initial Operational Capability this year, and subsequently, a fully operational PMO in the future.
“While the Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz PMO is still in a pre-initial operational capability status, and the Naval Base Guam Naval Security Forces continue to support the security and law enforcement requirements for the installation, the arrival of military police personnel within the last six months has enabled PMO to further contribute to the overall protection of the base,” said Col. Eduardo Pinales, Provost Marshal, MCB Camp Blaz.
To jump start Camp Blaz’s military police operations, the Marines are integrated with the Master of Arms, the Navy’s military police equivalent. Alongside their Navy counterparts, Marines complete Navy Security Force pre-service training and become certified in sentry duties, patrolling, and other military police activities. This provides the Marines, especially those whose first duty station is Camp Blaz, on-the-job training, experience working alongside sister service counterparts, and mission immersion.
“I work with the junior Marines to ensure that they are well-rounded,” said Sgt. Disiree Flolo, training non-commission officer in charge, PMO. “I control all of the law enforcement administrative programs, so our badge management, the training management, and the annual Marine Corps training.”
Building a PMO from the bottom up allows for the experienced military police and civilian police personnel to institute policies and procedures that enable future growth and bring the section closer to becoming fully operational.
“This is a unique opportunity for military police and civilian police personnel of all ranks to influence the development of policies and procedures for the establishment of a new PMO and a new Marine Corps installation,” said Pinales.
Regardless of rank and military or civilian service, the PMO leverages its members’ expertise to move toward a fully operational status.
“You hear a lot ‘be the change you want to see,’” said Flolo. “With Camp Blaz standing up and creating standard operating procedures [we can tailor them to not include] something that did not make sense at another unit. You can speak your mind on that here, and you can implement it if you are able to articulate it. It’s nice to be able to have a say in how the future is going to look for PMO.”
The budding section also allows for Marines and civilian personnel at every level to be a foundational part of building a new unit.
“For me, to be one of the first military police, staff non-commissioned officers establishing a PMO is really a unique thing to do in my career,” said MSgt. John Paxson, operations chief, PMO. “For the junior Marines coming overseas to Guam, which has so much Marine Corps history and tradition, this is a really neat experience.”
Camp Blaz PMO continues to work towards becoming fully operational to reduce the need for assistance from sister branches, and the office continues to increase its inventory of specialized gear and vehicles. Although there was an increase in PMO Marines during the last year, every Marine can stay engaged and become proficient in their military occupational specialty.
“It’s really nice being here, especially because of the work aspect,” said Flolo. “We have those qualities of a bigger unit. There’s still an expectation for you to outperform, but here we are a lot smaller. We are a tight knit group.”
In the near future, the Camp Blaz PMO will have the talent and resources it needs to conduct law enforcement and security operations in support of the installation. These activities provide a safe and secure environment for Marines, sailors, civilian employees and their families.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2025 19:37 |
| Story ID: | 491868 |
| Location: | GU |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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